Introducing and evaluating a knowledge transfer approach to support problem solving in and around protected areas.

Area of Science:

• Conservation Science
• Environmental Management
• Sustainable Development

Background:

• Protected areas (PAs) offer significant benefits but face challenges in achieving diverse stakeholder objectives.
• A lack of systematic approaches hinders the development and sharing of successful PA management solutions globally.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce "solutioning" as a structured peer-learning process for enhancing PA management strategies.
• To describe the PANORAMA-Solutions for a Healthy Planet initiative as a practical application of solutioning.

Main Methods:

• The PANORAMA initiative utilizes an interactive community and web portal to showcase and facilitate the adaptation of PA solutions.
• Solution elements (building blocks) are designed for novel implementation, distinguishing PANORAMA from other platforms.

Main Results:

• PANORAMA provides a platform for learning about and adapting existing protected area solutions.
• The initiative supports the adaptation of solution elements for new contexts, fostering innovation in PA management.

Conclusions:

• PANORAMA, grounded in resilience and peer-learning theories, shows potential for promoting efficient and equitable benefits for PAs and stakeholders.
• Further research is required to empirically validate if this learning translates into improved PA management effectiveness and better conservation outcomes.